Sean Graver
Chapter President | Tyler, Texas
Sean and his wife chose east Texas as their home after spending much of their lives in the Pacific Northwest. The warmer weather, friendlier culture and southern charm played a big role in making that move.
“Sure, every summer in east Texas is 90+ and humid, you worry a little about tornadoes and the fire ants are always out to get you, but the people are amazing. You can’t help but love the people here.”
He spent the last 24 years working for SAP Concur, the leading provider of corporate travel booking and expense management solutions. From engineer to VP, he built expertise in systems and storage engineering, procurement, budgeting, governance/compliance/audit, communications and leadership. Prior to that, he worked in small and mid-sized companies in the real estate, health care and retail fields. The most fulfilling part of his work in corporate life was helping others grow and develop in their careers.
“While being part of a huge, global company like SAP provided tremendous benefits and opportunities, it’s the smaller business world that I’m most passionate about. Every small business has so much in common with others, even in different industries. The automotive repair shop, CPA firm and local diner all deal with similar problems such as budget, marketing, staffing, regulations and compliance. Yet, rarely do they have all of the experts needed on their team. It’s so rewarding to see a business owner or leader find a breakthrough solution just by sharing the problem with a group of trusted peers. Where else can you find that except in a peer advisory group? By the way, that’s the same group who is praying for you on a regular basis and helping to hold you accountable for your goals.”
Being part of that global company really helped Sean appreciate the value of having such a deep pool of resources to call on when needed. Whatever the problem is, when there are 100,000 people in the company, you can usually find someone who can help. You get that same benefit when you surround yourself with peers who are on your side; not competitors, but trusted advisors who truly care about your success.
“The first time I attended at Truth At Work Peer Advisory Group meeting, I knew that this is something every Christian business leader needs. The power of the room is really something you have to experience. Words don’t do it justice.”
Aside from business, Sean enjoys clay target shooting, playing drums and is currently learning guitar. At his local church, he serves as an elder and as an executive pastor overseeing financial operations.